– The 49ers wanted a look that would build a bridge to the past. “Simply stated: Better off red,’’ said Andy Dolich, the team’s COO.

– The new design was two years in the making and relied on help from 20 focus groups, league officials, alumni, Reebok, ownership, current players and the marketing department.

– There are new elements to the old look. For example, the sleeve length is higher (as per NFL regulations), the nameplates on the back are smaller (Sopoaga fits no problem) and the stripe along the pants are thinner.

– The material is a diamond mesh, although testing on a stretch mesh is in use.

– In bridging a link from the old to the new, the 49ers used past and current players as fashion models. Patrick Willis came out with Keena Turner, Josh Morgan came out with Jamie Williams, Joe Staley came out with Jesse Sapulo and Eric Davis came out with Dashon Goldson.

– It took less than 30 seconds after the uniform unveiling for master of ceremonies Ted Robinson to announce that the new duds were on sale now at the merchandise tent.